Steampunk Inspiration – Seattle Edition

Ispent the last few days wandering about Seattle. I spent a lot of time there when I was younger, but hadn’t been downtown for years, so armed with my trusty camera, I went on a hunt for inspiration.

Pioneer Square Seattle

There are old brick buildings scattered all around Seattle’s downtown. The one in the photo above had a huge smokestack built into it. I have no idea what it was for or what it’s being used for now, but the the hue of old brick is so rich.

Pioneer Square Underground Tours

I didn’t go on the underground tour, but I’m curious about the tunnels built under the city. I’d like to try it out next time. They rarely build entrances like that anymore.

Giant Shoe Museum

On the second level of Pike Place market, you can find antique shops, and strange things like this in the photo above. It’s hard to take photos because there’s not much light. I think I bought a magic set here once. It was right beside a record shop plastered with vintage posters of pinup girls.

Carousel

This one brings back memories. I had my favorite horse on the carousel by the waterfront. It’s hidden behind an old fashioned arcade, including a coin operated fortune teller, and vintage machines, mixed in with a few newer video terminals.

Taxidermy

Then there’s the hall of creepy heads. I thought that maybe someone would have taken them down by now, but they’re still there all these years later.

If I may join the convo, I agree with Stephen…And also, crousels seem to be a treasure chest of plot devices…Each horse is different, why? Are they special? Does the carousel spin backwards every full moon? And who devised this? What are the paintings on the inside of the carousel? Who are they of, who painted them? Why on earth is the carousel there, and why on earth does it have a mule on it? Etcetera…

Nice photos! Been to Seattle a few times recently and had the opportunity to walk around with a few locals through the older districts of town. I’m always drawn to the quirky character-filled old buildings and love their contrast to the new and shiny skyscrapers. That’s probably why I’m drawn to those older European capitals so much i guess …!

The contrast is quite stark. Some of those modern buildings (like the downtown library) are a lot of fun too, but I think old buildings have a lot of character. Maybe it’s the sense of history that gives them presence. hmm

I’m always intrigued by buildings in towns and how they can be so different in different places. Down here in California, we have fewer brick buildings since my understanding is they aren’t “desirable” during earthquakes.

I’ve had a friend who raved about the underground tour. (On my brief visit to Seattle, I’ve only seen REI… helping a friend pick up her skis).